Grand Texas developer has big plans for theme park (Video)

A year ago, independent real estate developer Monty Galland scoured the Houston area for the perfect site for Houston’s next AstroWorld, which shuttered in 2005.

He was impressed with a property in New Caney, along Interstate 69 and State Highway 242 in north Houston, as the spot for Grand Texas Entertainment District.

In November, the Grand Texas team unveiled its grand vision for the 640 acres, expanding its original theme park concept to a broader idea that includes a sportsplex and a water park.

The first part of the master plan to be delivered will likely be the water park, which is slated for April 2015, Galland said. The developer is currently under contract with 22 more acres for future expansion, he said.

What indicators show that Houston demands this type of development?

We have over 5.6 million residents within an hour’s drive of the site, but other than the Downtown Aquarium and the Houston Zoo, there are no other attractions within that area.

Grand Texas is not located on a large body of water, but what it lacks in water it makes up for in acres. It has the room to provide rides, shows and activities that are not possible in smaller or more congested areas. It is conveniently located to Kingwood, the Woodlands, Spring, Atascocita, Humble, Conroe and numerous other substantial communities that lack the type of entertainment available at Grand Texas.

What are your expectations for Grand Texas once it is completed?

I don’t know that Grand Texas will ever be completed during my lifetime. We’ve been fortunate to acquire sufficient space to grow for at least a couple of decades.

However, when Grand Texas Theme Park opens, I hope that we are able to provide a great family experience to Houston locals and tourists alike that will be on par with parks such as Silver Dollar City and Dollywood.

I expect Grand Texas will be a source of pride and employment for Montgomery County and the northern Houston area. And with the operations team we have in place, I suspect my role will be diminished dramatically, so I hope I get the opportunity to interact with guests in a direct fashion. I hope they let me be a costumed character or drive the train.

What was your favorite theme park ride or attraction as a kid?

I grew up in southern California before Orlando had become the hub of the amusement park industry. I went to Disneyland occasionally, but it was more expensive than some of the regional parks.

When I was in the second grade, I won a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. I was terrified of just about everything there, but when I rode the log ride, I was hooked.

Participating in memories like these are what I look forward to the most. Knowing you provided the canvas on which families will be able to paint their happiest or most exciting memories is what drives our team and, I suspect, most of the industry.